News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

In December 2020, the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation – the umbrella organisation for European Recycling Industries – published a brochure on mechanical tire recycling highlighting the organization’s contribution towards circular economy and climate neutrality. EuRIC Brochure presents key facts about mechanical end-of-life tire recycling, which is a major enabler of circularity and climate mitigation for the entire tire value chain. The Brochure describes the current state of play of ELT management with recommendations to overcome key challenges faced by the European mechanical tire recycling industry be them embedded in legislation, market failures or eco-design. It features key numbers outlining the economic importance of the ELT recycling sector as well as its benefits for the environment and society.

Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) – British end-of-life tire management authority – reports that in response to the growing interest in tyre pyrolysis in the UK and beyond, the TRA is to launch a sub-group of interested members to address a number of matters of common importance. The aim of the new group which will hold its first scoping meeting in January 2021 will be to consider pyrolysis in the context of the current regulatory environment as well as barriers and opportunities in the areas of product and market development.

9 News reports that a tyre recycling factory in Perth has been destroyed by fire, with firefighters battling flames as high as 20 metres to extinguish the blaze. The incident happened on December 4, 2020. The Elan tyre recycling facility in Welshpool caught ablaze sometime before 3.30am today, with the fire quickly finding a 1000L fuel tank inside the building. According to 9 News, the cause of the blaze is currently unknown, as no employees were inside and no machinery was operating.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), in partnership with The Ray – a nonprofit proving ground for sustainable transportation technologies – recently announced a research project to assess and compile existing research on the performance, environmental impacts and benefits of using ground tire rubber (GTR) in asphalt. The news was reported by an online magazine “The Published Reporter.” According to the source, the compiled research will result in a state of knowledge report that outlines existing research and identifies data gaps in the use of ground tire rubber in rubber modified asphalt.

In its recent semi-annual report, the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) announced updated guidelines for the development of rubber industry for the next five years. The guidelines, among others, set goals for rubber recycling and material recovery from end-of-life rubber and tires. Some of the goals related to end-of-life tire rubber and carbon black are described below: Carbon black Annual production by 2025: -6.08 million tons of carbon black -1.75 million tons white carbon black Other goals: -Energy consumption standards met by 80% companies; exhaust cogeneration employed at 90% companies

Ecolomondo Corporation (TSX-V: ECM) (the “Company” or “Ecolomondo”) releases its unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes hereto and its related management discussion & analysis (“MD&A”) for the interim period ended September 30, 2020 (the “Interim Financial Statements”). Ecolomondo says that during the period, it made considerable progress on the construction of its new Hawkesbury Thermal Decomposition (“TDP”) turnkey facility. Management estimates that construction of the building that will house the plant is about 90% complete and expects completion by the end of 2020. Installation of the plant equipment began in late August of 2020 and is proceeding according to schedule while commissioning is now scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

The Recircle Awards recently unveiled nominees for its 2021 award ceremony and the platform is urging innovators and circular economy contributors to vote! The website of Recircle Awards lists the following categories: Best Tread Rubber Supplier Best Retreading Equipment & Accessory Supplier Best Tyre Recycling Industry Supplier Best Casing & Tyre Disposal Services Provider Best Tyre Derived Recycled Product Best Retreading Industry Innovation Best Tyre Recycling Innovation Retread Industry Fleet Award Best Publicity Campaign Employee of the Year Business Innovation Award Best Tyre Retreader Best Tyre Recycler Best Company Director Among the best tyre recycling suppliers selected for the Recicle Awards, there are: ECO Green Equipment E-Cova srl Eldan Molinari Salvadori To learn more about the nominees and vote, please proceed to the website of Recircle Awards.

Queensland’s Norwell Motorplex – one of Australia’s leading multi-use moto venues – will be resurfaced with a groundbreaking new asphalt product which is made from recycled tyres, says an online magazine Speed Cafe. Known as ‘Carbonphalt’, the product is the result of a partnership between Austek Asphalt Production and Pearl Global, and will first be used to replace the surface of Norwell’s 2.2km track. With 2500 tonnes of Carbonphalt required to complete the job, the project will account for 25,000 tyres which otherwise would have ended up in landfill. To make the product, end-of-life tyres will be broken down to recover carbon char, reusable steel, and fuel oil by Pearl Global, which is based near Norwell at the northern end of the Gold Coast.

On November 26, 2020, the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) announced a new board member and a new board chair, following the resignation of Tony Mougios of Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. Dr. Antoine Sautenet of Michelin was elected as a Director to complete Mr. Mougios unexpired term and elected 2nd Vice-Chair of the Board. Maureen Kline of Pirelli moves into the role as Chair of the Board, Paul Downey of Pliteq becomes 1st Vice Chair and Matt Livigni of Continental Tire remains as Treasurer.